On Thursday morning Brandon Krantz, 37, 1717 Ridgeway Drive, Kingsport, entered no contest pleas to two counts of aggravated statutory rape, a Class D felony, in Sullivan County Criminal Court. He then reported to the Sullivan County jail to be processed. Krantz was not required to post a bond, but will remain free pending a Jan. 3, 2013, judicial diversion hearing.

Kingsport police first began investigating the case July 9. Investigators say the victim, who was 17 at the time and has since turned 18, had slipped out of her sister's Kingsport residence the night before and gone to Krantz' home.

KPD Det. John Argentiere advised the victim's family and Krantz' family had been friends for a decade or so and they suspected she might be at his home, but were not aware the two had an intimate relationship.

Sullivan County Assistant District Attorney William Harper advised the court the victim gave a statement admitting to a sexual relationship with Krantz, with one sexual encounter occurring "sometime" in January and the other on July 8, the day before police interviewed the girl.

She attended Sullivan Central in Blountville during the 2011-2012 school year, according to KPD Lt. Bob Abernathy. Police say no additional allegations against Krantz have been made by other individuals.

On July 30 Krantz resigned from his duties at Sullivan Central, 131 Shipley Ferry Road. Sullivan County Director of Schools Jubal Yennie said he was a 12-year employee of the school system.

As a result of the no contest plea, Krantz will be required to register with the state as a sexual offender, undergo a sexual offender evaluation and complete any recommended treatment. After 10 years, Krantz may petition to come off the registry. He is also barred from contact with the victim or her family.

If judicial diversion is denied, Krantz, faces a possible sentence of two to 12 years. If deemed a first-time offender, the maximum sentence is 4 years with service of 30 percent before he would be eligible for parole consideration.

Krantz was accompanied in court Thursday by attorneys Rick Spivey and Matt King.

Earlier this week, school officials advised Krantz' positions have all been filled.